When fall arrives it is time to start to prepare your home for the winter months. Committing a few hours on a Saturday afternoon will reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future. Here are some tips to help you,
Test your heating system, I recommend a gas furnace be service every two years by a qualified technician. Atco gas will also come out at a homeowners request and inspect all gas lines and gas appliances and no cost to the home owner.
Check, clean or replace your furnace filter. You should repeat this every month during the heating season, this will optimize air flow throughout your home and reduce heating bills. If your house is equipped with an HRV clean those filters and finally clean your fresh and combustion air intake screens outside.
Cover your air conditioner unit outside.
Have your ducts cleaned. I recommend you do this every 2 to 3 years, again it increases air flow and reduces energy costs.
Clean your humidifier, it has been sitting idle for the past several months and likely has a build up of scale. Consider removing your furnace humidifier and replacing it with a portable unit. This can add years to the life of your furnace, and help improve your indoor air quality. Learn more about humidifiers here http://jbrinspections.com/?p=332
Check your sump pit and drain line to ensure proper operation.
Check all your doors and windows to ensure they are closing and sealing properly, air leaks can make a home very drafty in the winter and increase heating costs.
Check the garage door and the man door to the house. Lubricate all the hinges and test the door closer and seal for the man door to ensure exhaust gases do not enter the home’s living spaces.
Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them with smoke.
Clean your eaves troughs and check your downspouts the spring thaw will require these are directing water away from your home.
Ensure the ground slopes away from the house so water does not end up in your basement.
Check your fireplace chimney for obstructions such as nests. Have the chimney cleaned if you have not done so in the past 2 years.
Close the valve to your outdoor hose bib and remove the hose. Drain the water from the hose bib.
Winterize your exterior, store your outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and protect young trees or perennials if they are not very hardy. This is also a good time to do some maintenance on you snow blower if you have one, you don’t want to be caught with a broken snow blower after that first snow storm.
Review your home fire safety plan with your family! Helpful fire safety tips are located on my website http://jbrinspections.com/?p=311
